A supermarket handing out alcohol tastings has sparked concerns about drink driving.

Morrisons were granted permission to give away tipple samples at its store in Stevenston.

The national chain plans on promoting more local brands, the North Ayrshire Council licensing board meeting heard last Monday but councillors were worried that it could lead to drivers over indulging.

Councillor Donald L Reid said: “My only concern is that Scotland has reduced the drink drive limit. You are encouraging people to take alcohol and quite a number of them are driving. I have reservations.”

Representing Morrisions, Mr Taylor told the meeting: “We are not encouraging people to taste it. If they want to they can.”

He said the amount of booze was small and there would only be one taste per person.

It was ruled that there was no statutory reason to refuse the licence.